Shopsmith Forums

Wow that is a scary video. Its a good reminder of the dangers involved but that took some serious gonadatropic organs to make. Keeping your fingers attached and eyes intact always has to be number one priority. I have been a cabinetmaker and woodworker my entire life but my other profession has been an ER nurse for 40 odd years and have seen my share of fingers brought in separately from their owner. Bill said it best. Engage brain first. Always look at every operation and try to anticipate what could go wrong and take the necessary precautions. First and foremost never underestimate the value of eye protection. It is amazing how small an object it takes to cause serious eye injury. I think SS users need to be particularly aware. The nature of the tool and its complexity make it far more dangerous than a stand alone tool. I am not sure who made the video ( Doug Reid or Mel Abrahams probably ) but for new and old users the count to five routine has to be the most critical element in using a SS. On the safety note what do you all think of the Saw Stop technology ?
Paul

masonsailor2 wrote: . . . On the safety note what do you all think of the Saw Stop technology ?
Paul

Technology - adequate.

Effectiveness - Excellent.

Cost - prohibitive(when it fires).

Politics - abominable.

Saw Stop discussions never end well.

If you search the forum for "Saw Stop" you will find quite a bit has already been written on the Forum on this subject (I've said my fair share)and since there's nothing new to add to any of that as of this time I see no reason to repeat myself or beat dead horses on the subject.

Saw Stops are great. Every big shop should have one. I just do not believe that the Government (State or Federal) should be involved in mandating or otherwise overseeing their use.

I can't agree more with you Dusty regarding the big brother element But as far as costs go that is a non argument. The costs of reattaching your fingers is way way beyond the cost of the machine. Unfortunately is a cost that few of us can afford (myself included). It would boil down to a choice of a PP headstock or a Sawstop. No contest for those of us stricken with the SS syndrome !
Paul

Not true, Paul. I agree with you except on the choice between a PP and a SS. If I had the space in my shop to sport a large table saw, it would not be a Saw Stop. That space would be occupied by an old Delta Unisaw.

Oops. Now we are off topic.

dusty wrote:Not true, Paul. I agree with you except on the choice between a PP and a SS. If I had the space in my shop to sport a large table saw, it would not be a Saw Stop. That space would be occupied by an old Delta Unisaw.

Oops. Now we are off topic.

Not that it matters (IMHO ).

I have a 10" Rockwell with the Unfenced which is my go to saw but would be sorely tempted to buy a Saw Stop if I had the bucks. I'm not sure how good a saw they are though. I have never actually talked to someone who has used one for serious woodworking.
Paul

Poor stallion He was a very trusty and interesting horse, but he died of over use and tired bones. You can try to ride him again, but you'll have do dig him up first! Maybe if one searches, you can find the grave. Even if he is excavated, I'm pretty sure you won't be able to ride him very far.

dusty wrote:Not true, Paul. I agree with you except on the choice between a PP and a SS. If I had the space in my shop to sport a large table saw, it would not be a Saw Stop. That space would be occupied by an old Delta Unisaw.

Oops. Now we are off topic.

I certainly agree with you. I used the SS in table saw mode for years in my garage. There was nothing I couldn't do with it. Now that I have the room I have a Powermatic PM2000 along with my MK 7 PP, 520 shorty and dedicated 520 drill press.